Innovators from around the world will have an opportunity to take their solutions to the next level while building partnerships with global firms as Expo 2020 Dubai launches its global social impact programme Expo Live.
Applicants with creative solutions that could help improve people’s lives, preserve the planet or both, have the chance to secure funding, support and exposure for their projects by applying to Expo Live’s flagship Innovation Impact Grant Programme (IIGP).
Now in its fourth cycle, the programme awards successful projects with grants of up to $100,000 each, depending on their potential to positively impact the environment or generate real social value in line with Expo 2020’s three key subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.
The launch of the IIGP’s fourth cycle coincides with the inaugural Expo Live Global Innovators Summit. Hosted in Dubai, the event was attended by Global Innovators from nearly 40 countries who received grants and support as part of the initiative’s previous cycles.
Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, said, “The true legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai will be measured by the connections it creates, the people it inspires and the future it builds.
“Expo Live not only symbolises what a World Expo should stand for, it also enables Expo 2020 Dubai to deliver on its promise of social innovation and to inspire future generations to create a positive impact. Through initiatives such as Expo Live’s Innovation Impact Grant Programme, we have an opportunity to empower individuals and communities around the world to solve pressing challenges.”
The Expo Live Global Innovators Summit, which began on 30th September, 2018 and concludes today, saw social entrepreneurs from around the world participate in workshops, training sessions and in-depth discussions. Attendees also took advantage of opportunities to network with other Global Innovators, while Expo 2020’s Premier Partners Accenture, Cisco, DP World, Emirates NBD, Etisalat, PepsiCo and SAP, plus Official Partners DEWA, Emaar Hospitality and UPS, offered support and advice throughout the event.
All 70 projects that have secured support from the IIGP correlate with one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global objectives that, if achieved, will secure a good basic quality of life for everyone.
Expo Live is a $100 million innovation and partnership programme launched by Expo 2020 Dubai to fund, accelerate and promote projects that offer creative solutions to pressing global challenges. Its various initiatives facilitate promising innovations that would not reach their full potential without Expo Live’s support.
Yousuf Caires, Vice President – Expo Live at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo Live is proud to support passionate visionaries who are having a positive social and environmental impact all over the world. All 70 Global Innovators reaffirm our belief that innovation can come from anywhere, to everyone.
“We know there are more innovators impacting their communities in all corners of the globe and we encourage them to apply for funding, assistance and exposure as part of the fourth cycle of the Innovation Impact Grant Programme.”
